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Universal Pub Germany taps Wenzel

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HAMBURG, Germany -- Markus Wenzel has been appointed managing director of Universal Music Publishing Group Germany, the new company formed after Universal acquired BMG Publishing.

Additionally, Hartwig Masuch, managing director of BMG Music Publishing Germany since 1991, is leaving the company.

In his new role, effective immediately, Wenzel takes responsibility for the integration of the two companies, reporting to Paul Connolly, the publisher's London-based president, Europe, and managing director, U.K.; and Frank Briegmann, president and CEO of Universal Music Germany in Berlin.

Wenzel has served as managing director of Universal Music Publishing Germany in Berlin since 2003.

"The company thanks Hartwig Masuch for his successful engagement over the last 16 years in which he made BMG Music Publishing a major player and built up a tremendous artist-roster," the company said in a statement. "Universal Music and BMG Publishing are looking forward to the cooperation under Markus Wenzel and wish him luck and success for his future challenges."

Well-informed sources said Masuch waived a contract extension with the enlarged company. Masuch is close with a number of private equity companies and is expected to soon return to the publishing business.

During his tenure at BMG Music Publishing, Masuch helped build a formidable roster of local repertoire, with such acts as Rammstein, Rosenstolz, Sportfreunde Stiller, Gentleman, Max Herre, Sasha, Tote Hosen, Mia, Zweiraumwohnung and Mark Medlock.